Title: The Art of Racing in the Rain
Author: Garth Stein
First published May 13, 2008
336 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781554681723 (ISBN10: 1554681723)
Rating: 4.22
Overview
Meet Enzo, a dog with a unique perspective on life. With a philosopher’s soul and a love for opposable thumbs, Enzo has learned about the world through his owner, Denny Swift, a talented race car driver.
Enzo understands the human condition and knows that life is not just about speed but about the journey. As Enzo faces his final days, he reflects on the ups and downs of his life with his family.
This touching and humorous novel is a tribute to the power of love, loyalty, and hope. With Enzo as your guide, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the joys and absurdities of the human experience.
About the Author
Meet Garth Stein, an accomplished author with four published novels under his belt. His works range from a gothic and historical coming-of-age ghost story called “A Sudden Light” to the internationally acclaimed “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” as well as “How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets,” which won the PNBA Book Award, and “Raven Stole the Moon,” a magically realistic tale.
Stein is also a playwright, having written the stage play “Brother Jones.” Beyond writing, Stein has a passion for adventure, having raced cars, climbed towering trees, and made documentary films. He shares his home in Seattle with his family and a beloved dog.
Stein is also a co-founder of Seattle7Writers.org, a non-profit collective of 74 talented authors from the Pacific Northwest who are dedicated to inspiring and engaging readers and writers.
Editoral Review
In his 2008 novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein offers a unique perspective on life through the eyes of a dog named Enzo. Though the novel may seem like it belongs to the children’s or young adult genres, it is more suited for mature readers as it deals with adult themes such as loss, love, and self-discovery.
Stein is no stranger to the literary world, having authored several other books, and it shows in The Art of Racing in the Rain. The novel is masterfully crafted, with Stein’s writing style drawing the reader in and providing an emotional ride throughout the book.
The novel is centered around the life of Enzo, a loyal and wise old dog, as he looks back on his life with his owner, Denny, a professional race car driver. Set in Seattle, the novel follows Enzo and Denny’s journey as they face various challenges in their lives and ultimately learn to let go of the past and embrace the present.
What sets The Art of Racing in the Rain apart is its unique narration style, as the story is told entirely from Enzo’s perspective. Stein does an excellent job of pulling the reader into Enzo’s mind, depicting the world as seen through a dog’s eyes.
Stein’s masterful character development is also evident in how he gives each character a distinctive voice, making them all memorable and relatable. The themes of the novel are universal, and anyone can relate to the various situations Enzo and Denny find themselves in.
The story is a tearjerker, and the focus on death and life is the book’s most significant strength. However, while The Art of Racing in the Rain is an engaging read, it is not perfect.
Some readers may find that the novel drags on in parts and that the plot could have been more tightly woven. But these are minor flaws in an otherwise well-crafted novel.
In conclusion, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a brilliantly written novel that captures the essence of life through a dog’s eyes. It is an emotional story that navigates the complexities of the human experience while offering a unique perspective.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an uplifting and memorable read. On a scale of one to five, I’d give it a solid four.